Mechanical Pencils 101: How to Choose the Right One for You

Versatile Pen Guide
They are pens with a mechanism that many of us know as a mechanical pencil. The name Versatile comes from a model of the Czech brand Koh-i-noor. Mechanical pencils come in different types, including lead holders that use wider leads of 2.0mm or more, mainly used by artists and designers. Drafting pencils, on the other hand, have industrial features such as durable metal bodies, knurled grip sections, and lead grade indicators, making them suitable for professional use.

What to look for when choosing a mechanical pencil?

  • Graphite hardness and lead size
  • Pen material
  • Design
  • Price

Graphite Hardness and lead size
The tips used are mostly graphite. The hardness of the lead varies according to its density. Like pencils, they have color and hardness grades expressed by the letters H, F, and B used by European manufacturers. The hardness is adjusted by the clay added to the graphite. As the number of clay increases, the color lightens and hardens. HB is generally preferred for writing. While B, 2B ones are mostly used for hand drawing, H, 2H is preferred for technical drawings. Although the diameters of these tips vary between 0.2 and 5.6, the most commonly used ones are 0.5 and 0.7, and 0.9. Small diameters used in detailed works draw sharper and cleaner, while larger diameters draw thicker. 

 

Pen Material
They are usually made of either mass-produced plastic or high-quality and robust metal. Some pens have a metal exterior, but the internal mechanism or some parts are made of plastic. There are also models combined with wood. However, pencils made entirely of metal are long-lasting and more resistant to falls. Although most students prefer plastic because it is cheaper, professionals such as artists and architects prefer pens that are resistant to intensive use and at least partially made of metal.

Design
Most designs come to life with a line. The design of pens, which is indispensable for design, is just as important in order to find its buyer. The stylish design pens you choose according to your own taste will reflect you, your passion, and your style, leaving a significant impact on your potential customers, employees, and social circle.

Price
Although it is entirely a matter of budget, it does not mean that the more money you pay, the better pen you will get. Sometimes this price is paid for brand value, sometimes for design, sometimes for material quality, and sometimes for craftsmanship. For this reason, price alone is not a criterion for choosing a pen.

Mechanical Pen Recommendation

Scrikss Graph-X
The Scrikss Graph-X series is one of the most well-known and budget-friendly pen lines from the Turkish brand, Scrikss. Its nickel-plated metal barrel makes it a popular choice for many who appreciate a sleek and durable design.

 

 

Lamy Safari
Even though it is plastic, it is a pen where you can see Lamy's quality and simplicity. It is a model with a metal clip, a cleaning eraser, and a wide range of color options.

 

Rotring Rapid Pro
Rotring, a German quality, produces durable pens that many of us have the opportunity to use. The Rapid Pro series is a durable pen because the body is metal, even though the internal mechanism is not. The 2mm ones have a sharpener at the top to sharpen the tip. It is suitable for writing, sketching and drawing.

 

Lamy 2000
It has a matte textured body made of fiberglass and stainless steel. Ideal for everyday use with its simple and functional design.

 

Kaweco Sketch-Up Gold
It is a German brand that does not compromise on quality with different material options and stands out with its classic octagonal barrel design. Although it is shorter than conventional pencils, it has an ideal length. Ideal for sketching and drawing.

 

Graf Von Faber Castell Intuition Platino Grenadilla
It is from Graf Von Faber Castell's Intuition Platino Wood collection, a special series of Faber Castell pencils that many of us have used. The Grenadilla model, where the warmth of wood meets the elegance of platinum, fits comfortably between the fingers thanks to its slightly concave structure.

 

Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum Plated Classic Mechanical Pencil
The legendary "Meisterstück" (masterpiece), a Montblanc classic. The head and body are made of black precious resin. The iconic Mont Blanc emblem is located on the top of the head. 

It's important to properly carry and store your pens, especially if you're a pen lover. Our handmade pen holder and notebook cover models, crafted from durable calfskin leather, provide the ideal solution for keeping your pens organized and protected.

- Flap Covered Pen Holder - Kibele for your pens that you want to carry with you all the time.
- Roll Up Pen Case - Perge for those who like to keep many different pens with them.
- Is it possible without a notebook? Hemingway A6 Mini Organizer Leather Case for those who say it is impossible.